Biggest Obstacle To Luring Mike McDaniel To Tampa Just Popped Up
January 20th, 2026
Ripple effect in Tampa?
In the past week or so as it seemed the Bucs and former Dolphins shot-caller Mike McDaniel had mutual interest in the Bucs’ opening at offensive coordinator, per rumors floated through social media from legitimate NFL sources.
McDaniel might wait for a while to make a decision on what job he would take of the many for which he interviewed, per the rumors. One suggestion was McDaniel was waiting to see what would happen with Mr. Clean in San Francisco, the former Jets coach and successor of Todd Bowles’ in New Jersey.
Apparently, McDaniel and Mr. Clean are tight and it almost sounded like a Dirk Koetter-Mike Smith handshake deal.
Well, late last night, as if to give Curt Cignetti and Indiana the finger, word broke that Mr. Clean is expected to be the next coach of the Titans.
This is bad news for Bucs fans. Who knows what job security McDaniel will have with the Bucs, if any. And who knows if Baker Mayfield will be around in 2027. Or Chris Godwin. Or Mike Evans.
In Nashville, McDaniel would work with rookie star quarterback Cam Ward. In the NFL, it’s always about the quarterback.
And you have to figure McDaniel would have at least two years minimum in Nashville. If things go sideways with the Bucs this fall, is Bowles still the Bucs’ coach in a year from now?
So cross your fingers Bucs fans that McDaniel grew to love Florida from working in Miami. So much so he doesn’t want to leave the Sunshine State.
January 20th, 2026 at 5:28 am
Does it matter who takes the OC job while Licht, and Bowles are in charge? Whoever they hire won’t be able to save Bowles from himself. That person won’t be able to help Licht find an edge rusher. Remember JTS, Reddick, Braswell is going to shock the world? McDaniel would need a promise to take over if his offense does good, knowing how bad Todd’s defense is. He just beat it with a 7th round rookie QB getting his 2nd start. Does he want to hitch himself with a HC who has one foot out the door, and one on a banana peel? He still has an interview with the Chargers. Don’t get your hopes up Buc fans.
January 20th, 2026 at 5:54 am
Tennessee also has no state income tax so we lose that advantage.
January 20th, 2026 at 5:57 am
Looking like they’ll probably offer the job Zac Robinson. Dan Pitcher is probably their fall back if Robinson falls through. This is kinda disappointing cause I really like Mike McDaniels. His 2022-23 offensives with the dolphins were top notch.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:28 am
This team is nothing but hot garbage. Nobody wants to coach here with Bowles running the show. He’s a miserable failure and everybody knows it. The Glazers are complete fools.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:33 am
@Hidad
It’s amazing how the fans can notice all of this but nobody at One Buc Place can. They probably do but don’t care.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:38 am
All this talk is academic. None of the top coaches will take the job here when you have a dead man walking HC. It appears the owners have a tanking scenario in mind for 2026 for whatever reasons. And besides no OC can cover for the flawed defensive philosophy entrenched here as pointed out so clearly by Ronde Barber.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:41 am
Un
January 20th, 2026 at 6:45 am
2026 is RINSE AND REPEAT
January 20th, 2026 at 6:49 am
@bucu 👏👏👏👏
January 20th, 2026 at 6:51 am
So Joe what do you see in your crystal ball? If panthers and falcons are in the playoffs next year and we endup with a 9-8 record and out of the playoffs.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:52 am
We will be stuck with Zac Robinson sadly.. and he couldn’t do anything with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:53 am
Robert Saleh going to the Tennessee Titans wasn’t exactly something that’s gnna make the world stop with local programming being interrupted by national news and def wasn’t exactly gnna take away from Indiana going 16-0 and handling cheap shot Miami. Which as an aside, was predictable. Miami pregame in the tunnel was acting exactly the way you would expect Miami to act (such vibrant culture!) and then in-game cheap shotting Mendoza – but in the end they’re the ones that got popped in the mouth the hardest
January 20th, 2026 at 6:57 am
“He couldn’t do anything with Bijan Robinson.” Meanwhile Bijan Robinson was agreeably the best player in football, Kyle Pitts had a career year and Drake London has been outstanding with mediocre qb talent.” Great argument though, please keep going
January 20th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Why would mcdaniel go to the Titans though. That team is devoid of weapons and likely wouldnt lead to mcdaniel getting a HC position sooner than later.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:13 am
Unfortunately, the Bucs could end up with someone a lot like Grizz. Then, we should have just kept him. I read on another Joe’s post, that Bowles still has the “leeway.” So, there is that. I don’t think he and McDaniel would butt heads, but McDaniel was great as an OC and has a lot of creativity/progression and differences that can work. Especially with our roster.
If we can’t get McDaniel as OC, then we are just going backwards again. I am hoping too, that Mike and his family don’t want to keep moving around and staying in FL is their best advantage.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:14 am
I just dont get it. How did we get here? Have the Glazers really pulled one over on us fans and now have everyone focused and really caring about who we hire as OC? As if hiring someone like McDaniel will be some big win? Im not taking the bait.
Bowles, as of today is still the HC, and until I hear differently I certainly won’t be celebrating any OC hire or ST coach, FA signing or draft pick. You all can buy into the mirage when they hire “insert irrelevant OC here”, sign some FAs or draft the guy you want…Nope not doing it this year..Fire Bowles, then let’s talk.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:20 am
McDaniels as OC has been a pipe dream. The Organization will hire some two-bit nobody. That’s Bucs life.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:21 am
Ben Says:
January 20th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Why would mcdaniel go to the Titans though. That team is devoid of weapons and likely wouldnt lead to mcdaniel getting a HC position sooner than later.
Where do you wanna start?
A chance to work with his buddy and have job security and total control of the offense. To work with a young, talented franchise QB. To be on a team with almost 100 mil in cap space, the most in the NFL. To work with a HC you know will take care of the defensive side of the ball, meaning your offense won’t have to put up 35 a game to win.
Why would he want to work for a lame duck coach in Bowles??
January 20th, 2026 at 7:22 am
The Bucs have 2 BIG obstacles in the form of HC and QB. No matter how you slice it, as long as they’re here, pickens will be slim.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:23 am
I’m not crossing my fingers for sh*t. There’s more than one way to build an offense and more than one credible OC available.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:26 am
That doesn’t always mater. OC’s get a 2 to 3 year contract.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:27 am
No one is going to want to coach here. It’s basically a 1 year rental because we all know Bowles will get fired eventually most likely at the end of the upcoming season. So no coach is wasting a year here to just be fired. This is why Bowles should have been fired to begin with.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:35 am
Yep…back to being the yucs
January 20th, 2026 at 7:44 am
Depends what he is looking for ,,, a nice little OC job w Salah where he can take a few years to grow his craft or a one year OC job as a stepping stone to being a HC again
January 20th, 2026 at 7:45 am
You fans are pathetic. As a 40+ year season ticket holder I’ve seen so much worse and we’ll be back. Go Bucs
January 20th, 2026 at 7:49 am
All this smoke, yet no fire. Don’t fall for it until you see the fire..which seems very unlikely at this point. Wake me up next January when they are forced to start the fire.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:56 am
None of it matters with Bowles being the head coach. This team is going nowhere until ownership figures it out that even though they may think Bowles is a great guy that does not mean he’s a good NFL head coach.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:57 am
I’m not sure exactly what the point is when people reference “job security”. Do people think MM would have a hard time finding a job next year if TB career as the Bucs coach comes to an end?
Not saying he wouldn’t choose to be in a place that he has a higher percentage of not seeing the HC get fired next year. Just that he wouldn’t have a hard time finding a job. And I would think if he takes an OC job his plan is to only be there one year anyway. If you are going to try and pad your resume with a one year OC job do you want to do that with a qb in year 2 or Baker?
All that said, it wouldn’t shock me to see him go to Tennessee. People like to work with friends, it may just only be that deep.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:59 am
The Bucs are going to have to “settle” for an OC. This is not a top destination and I say that because the Bucs dont lack talent on offense. Even if Big Mike retires or goes elsewhere and Chris Godwin is never Chris Godwin again this team is still, from a talent perspective, one of the better offenses in football… when healthy with Baker, Bucky, Tucker, EE, McMillan and a really good OL. Again, when healthy. It’s the two guys driving the bus and an atrocious defense that will lead to their ultimate demise, which should have been two weeks ago. Instead we will have to wait until the next Black Monday. So who in their right mind would take that chance unless they have no where else to be an OC?
January 20th, 2026 at 8:02 am
The poor decisions the Glazers are making right now by not selecting a quality head coach are going to haunt this team for years to come. Nobody wants to coach with this asshole.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:05 am
Star QB cam ward is a bit much
January 20th, 2026 at 8:15 am
If I’m McDaniel and the Raiders don’t offer me a HC position, the Bucs job is looking mighty appealing. A healthy line, solid playmakers and a QB who’s adept at picking up new systems makes installing my offense easy. Add in the fact that Bowles isn’t long for the job, with or without success, and the Bucs represent my quickest ticket back to a HC position anywhere.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:23 am
Just another shtty season!!!!!!!!! Glazers look like a bunch of idiots and now act like a bunch.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:25 am
The GLAZERS and weak kneed Jason Lite
are the BIGGEST OBSTACLES
January 20th, 2026 at 8:26 am
The Bucs have shown they will not make changes after a bottom defense. That should be concerning to any new hire. You would think he Mike comes here that anything below top 10 defense should have Bowles out the door.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:26 am
As long as bowlzo is the kneepad wearing head coach this team lill be picking early in the draft next year too. This team flat-out quit on bowlzo and his band of merry men coaches. They won’t even sign on at all this year. Mike McD might improve the offense, but the special teams and defense will still be jokes. When we draft this year it should be with a vision toward 2027.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:32 am
Yanno…it’s really sad that we all have to go through this off-season with no hope for the BUCS future whatsoever. I’m pretty sure that I’m in the majority here. I read the other comments too. Nobody is happy.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:37 am
Fred, that is the majority of people commenting on JBF. Twitter is not real life
January 20th, 2026 at 8:41 am
What a bunch of whiners on this site. None of you have ANY idea of any of these coaches succeed at a given team. None. Not McDaniel, Salah, Harbaugh… zero idea. Did you bet the AFC Championship would be Drake Maye and Jarrett Stidham? No, you didn’t. Or that Seattle’s D would carry Sam Darnold? There is NO way to forecast this ridiculous league and it’s 32 mediocre teams that can win and lose to anyone.
Ya’ll angry sports bar drunks need to tone it down. It’s the Glazers team. We all get to watch or not.
See you in August.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:46 am
Money, money is an obstacle not friendship.
January 20th, 2026 at 8:53 am
I don’t care who the OC or DC is! Because we will still have Turd Bowles as our HC! Curt Cignetti for HC or McDaniel for HC! Sorry but either would be better than the Turd
January 20th, 2026 at 8:56 am
132, thank you for some sanity. I’ve commented here and there the past few weeks. But for the most part have letting this mob have their way. And boy, they have not disappointed. By disappointing, haha. I hold that very same thought. Absolutely no one, and I mean no one knows how everything plays out next year. Just like this year and just like every year. Let things play out and we’ll see what lands. The trope about opinions being like asshole$. Has never been more true.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:00 am
the yucs life
January 20th, 2026 at 9:03 am
Lost season
January 20th, 2026 at 9:04 am
Hodad
On point.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Sean McDermott is now available from Bills….Oh but Glazers want BOWZO!!!! No thanks.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:09 am
Poor Baker!
January 20th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Sean McDermott wouldn’t do well here.. isn’t his defense base 4-3? We run a 3-4 would have to change like half the defense to go back, and wouldn’t be worth it.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Bucs won’t do it, but since they punted on the 2026 season they should aggressively trade out of this draft and acquire additional picks for the stronger 2027 draft.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:17 am
BAKER NUMBER ONE BEST IN THE WORLD EVERYONE WANT TO WORK WITH HIME BE HIM BE AROUND HIM STOP HATE AND MISINFO NO ONE MORE DESIRABLE THAN BAKER HE THE REAL MVP!!!!!!!!
January 20th, 2026 at 9:22 am
@TTBucs
@View from 132
@Steven007
Well said men
January 20th, 2026 at 9:24 am
If I am McDaniel, can I improve Bakers and the Bucs receiving core by 2+ games? If so then they are a playoff team and I will be a coach in no time. Why compete in the stacked AFC against the Texans defense twice a year when you have no offense, vs beating the Saints, Panthers and Falcons with weapons? You succeed in Tampa then you are the hottest coaching candidate in 365 days. You will have your pick. So picking the Titans to get a guaranteed 2 years @ OC salary vs, one year until you become a head coach is foolish logic Joe
January 20th, 2026 at 9:26 am
Is Bowles the Bucs tar baby? Are we stuck with him with all these good coaches on the market now?
January 20th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Tampa Bay Bucs, prove to me that you actually know what you are doing. That should be the mantra, then when I SEE it I will believe it. Tired of the same old, same old.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Mystic…Yes the idea is to change the defense to 43 not hate to change this mess 34. The Curse of Bowzo is his defense.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Bakefield is a throwback QB. Not tall but thick and tough. Not a great arm but a good runner.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:32 am
You mentioned the uncertain job stability for a new offensive coordinator. I think the Bucs offensive position is the perfect vehicle for a former head coach/ coordinator to the head coaching position. Recent history of two of the last three offensive coordinators and their success in just a three year window is the perfect example. Also, if the offense performs, and it should with this offensive line and skill position players, and the defense and consequently team struggles and history says it will.I can’t imagine the offensive coordinator not getting the head coaching job. The Glazers had to have learned that letting both Canales and Cohen go were terrible mistakes while keeping Bowles.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:39 am
Just ask yourselves Bucs fans would u want to work for Bowles knowing he may not even be around next season making your job a one and done deal? I think not
January 20th, 2026 at 9:43 am
HC Grover Says:
January 20th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Bakefield is a throwback QB. Not tall but thick and tough. Not a great arm but a good runner.
===================================
Leave it alone. You don’t know what you are talkng about. Mayfield has one of the strongest arms in the league and real football people know this. Baker still has the record for the longest airborn pass in a NFL game history throwing it 75 yards when still with Cleveland. Heck, last year he hit Egbuka with a ball that was airborne 60 yards.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:44 am
If McDaniel appreciates living and working in Miami, Tampa will be attractive — Tennessee, not so much.
And IMO Robert Saleh seems unlikely to succeed as a head coach. Potential staff and players should run from him, as they did in New York. But hey, maybe he can get the band back together with Aaron Rodgers to mentor Ward!
January 20th, 2026 at 9:44 am
Todd Bowles, I’m really beginning to despise that name.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:49 am
I really dont care who it is. Won’t be anyone good. Regardless the defense is going to hold the team back. At this point I expect David to retire and probably Evans also.
January 20th, 2026 at 9:58 am
Glaciers and Lichtenstein are you listening? So here’s the plan. Bring McDaniel in as OC and help him fix the offense, while barring Bowles from meddling with the offensive line. Set McDaniel up to suceed Bowles in 2027. Ease Bowles out and make him a symbolic, “Kumbaya” ambassador similar to Arians. However, leadership at 1 Buc Place needs to make it clear to McDaniel that the HC job is his if he can fix Baker and the very talented offense.
My alma mater lost to Indiana last night. I watched the whole game at Hooters, which is across the street from my neighborhood. It was a good game and the Canes came very close to winning it all, but the football Gods favored Indiana in the final seconds of the game.
Go Bucs. Go Canes. I willl be watching and supporting both teams from Illinois where I am planning to move this Spring. GB. Be kind to each other. Cheers.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Glaciers and Lichtenstein are you listening? So here’s the plan. Bring McDaniel in as OC and help him fix the offense, while barring Bowles from meddling with the offensive line. Set McDaniel up to suceed Bowles in 2027. Ease Bowles out and make him a symbolic, “Kumbaya” ambassador similar to Arians. However, leadership at 1 Buc Place needs to make it clear to McDaniel that the HC job is his if he can fix Baker and the very talented offense.
Go Bucs. Go Canes. I willl be watching and supporting both teams from Illinois where I am planning to move this Spring. GB. Be kind to each other. Cheers.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:06 am
I see ZERO reason why MM would view Todd’s precarious job position as a hindrance. Regardless how the team does next year, if the offense kills it but Bowles gets launched, ownership is gonna promote MM.
Now guys like Zac Robinson…..
January 20th, 2026 at 10:18 am
My guess is that it would have been hard to land McDaniel. Zac Robinson worked with Baker before so he might be the Bucs’ choice. Some teams will wait until after the NFC and AFC championship games to interview the Seattle, LA and New England assistants. I hope the Bucs do not do that as they will probably not be the first choice of any of those guys for OC, even the guy they interviewed last year who has been connected to the Steelers: Scheelhaase. Bowles is obviously a big impediment to hiring decent coaches as everyone and their mother knows the guy is a stubborn and arrogant lame duck who should have been fired this season but the Glazers ay have realized that they would be too many other teams to outbid for a decent candidate or might be setting the team up for a run at Arch Manning in 2027. It just seems to me like the Glazers are not committed to winning as long as Bowles is still in charge.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:19 am
Tennessee is another of those dysfunctional franchises. They canned Mike Vrabel for pete sake.
McDaniel lived through another dysfunctional franchise with the Dolphins. If he wants to jump into that same situation again, he’s not as smart as I’d think he is.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:19 am
Another advantage to the OC job is that the Glazers are not quick to firing their HC. The Glazers ignored the fans hatred of Bowles and kept him HC. Bowles will retire in the next year or two and McDaniels would be the likely replacement if hired.
The Bucs OC job should be very desirable for any OC candidate with the Bucs team loaded on the Offensive side and a couple of players away on the defensive side which can be addressed through the draft and free agency.
It a win win for everyone
January 20th, 2026 at 10:21 am
HC Grover I wouldn’t hate it, if it’s defense like Brian Flores. I’m honestly thinking we’ll go with Zac Robinson, and then Bowles is fired at the end of the year, and Bucs target Mike Tomlin next off season since he’s taking a year off.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:24 am
Rod Munch Says:
January 20th, 2026 at 9:17 am
BAKER NUMBER ONE BEST IN THE WORLD EVERYONE WANT TO WORK WITH HIME BE HIM BE AROUND HIM STOP HATE AND MISINFO NO ONE MORE DESIRABLE THAN BAKER HE THE REAL MVP!!!!!!!!
Grow up and act like an adult. Some of your comments are worthwhile but this childish post is not one of them.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:26 am
Potential Coaching Hires to Monitor
Offense
-Zac Robinson — Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons
-Jim Bob Cooter — Offensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
-Jake Peetz — Pass Game Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
-Bobby Slowik — Senior Pass Game Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
Defense
-Karl Scott — Defensive Backs Coach, Seattle Seahawks
-Raheem Morris — Former Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
-Dennard Wilson — Defensive Coordinator
-Joe Cullen — Defensive Line Coach, Kansas City Chiefs
-Eric Henderson — Co-Defensive Coordinator, USC
January 20th, 2026 at 10:26 am
Test
January 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
GIPPER, you’re one of the few voices of reason on this site. Man I thought that Browns fans were bad (watched them from the Brian Sipe years), but you fans are just pathetic whiners. Haven’t the last few years proved that an OC doesn’t have to have a national reputation as a “genius?”
January 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Lions hired dude from AZ as their OC, one less place for MM to go
January 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Joe,
I see all this talk about the next OC for Tampa Bay and that’s important for sure. While the team is waiting to see if MM gets offered by another team for a HC position what is going on with interviews, etc for the defense coaches that were let go? I think this is every bit as important as the OC position. Right now assistant coaches on teams with no HC are likely to be seriously looking for a position elsewhere.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Wont even matter the team will have no offense and he will be back as a DC in a few years … re-use, recycle,
January 20th, 2026 at 10:35 am
Why does everyone make the McDaniel reference? Time together with the 49ers, but Mike Lafleur was his OC with the Jets and his brother Matt was Saleh best man, that connection make more sense in my opinion.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:38 am
Hodad Says:
“Does it matter who takes the OC job while Licht, and Bowles are in charge?”
It did with other OCs in recent years…so yes.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:38 am
@ Newbie Says: “from a talent perspective, one of the better offenses in football… when healthy with Baker, Bucky, Tucker, EE, McMillan and a really good OL.”
OhKay, now let me get this right… TUCKER. BAKER. BUCKY. EE. And, McMillan. ONE OF “the better” Offenses in THE FOOTBALL. Did YOU actually READ what you just wrote down on paper!? Cause, that is just DELUSIONAL TALK. I mean, YOU are somewhere in a whole other WORLD. It’s an adult Bucs Fantasyland, I’m tellin’ ya! Lmao.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:41 am
I feel Tampa Bay is one of the best areas to live at and coach for the Bucs. As well as being a player here. At one time, under Hugh, most of us wouldn’t say that. And looking across at the teams, it’s not all perfect either.
The Glazers have been so much better. Yes, they are not perfect. Yes, they put their monies toward places and people we may not agree with, but it’s their money. And I really don’t think this is not about money. It’s about what McDaniel wants. And with so many openings and not knowing what each owner wants, anything can happen.
I am not counting out Mike and his family being Bucs yet. So much going for this area and our roster. And yeah, Licht isn’t perfect either. But look around, he is a lot better than most. And with McDaniel’s OC experience, we can get even better, including Todd’s defense.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:49 am
I’m getting used to disappointment with our Bucs. Hoping for the best with McDaniels coming in but expecting the worst
January 20th, 2026 at 10:49 am
@ Newbie – ONLY Baker and Bucky (when healthy, and that a BIG “when” LoL), are the only ones EVEN CLOSE to being a Top-15 Player at their positions. And, YOU are calling THIS GROUP one of the better offenses in FOOTBALL, and THE NFL!? Really!? Come on, man! Be REAL.
January 20th, 2026 at 10:53 am
I hope McDaniel comes here, but I could understand going to TENN, to have a real QB to work with, is enticing!!! Let’s Go Bucs!!! We need McDaniel and M1K3!!
January 20th, 2026 at 10:53 am
The troll fans from other teams, and the Internet trolls who seek attention…they will strive to convince others that Tampa is not a good team to play for and that the Glazers are cheap, uncaring owners.
That is far from the truth.
First off, about the Glazers, if they were true fans who have been paying attention, they have:
🏈 Made the Bucs one of few teams to have multiple superbowl rings in this century.
🏈 They went all-in for the last superbowl, sparing no expense to get it. Which is proof they are NOT cheap, regardless of what the trolls claim.
🏈 Teamed with Jason Licht, they have a long view of the team, whereas fans tend to have a short view. They know development takes time. That, in turn, is considered in their decisions.
Second, as to whether the Buccaneers are a good team to play for:
🏈 Most players who play for the Bucs do not want to move on. The only exceptions are players who want to be used more, but are lower on the depth chart in Tampa because someone is better than them.
🏈 The Buccaneers reward for production, and they strive to maintain cohesion. In the eyes of fans, this comes off as over paying for some players…but there is more to it than that. Image is everything to players. The Bucs gain image when they extend players…and it helps manage the cap.
🏈 Bowles being a lame duck coach isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Any Coordinator worth his salt knows that if they come in and do a great job, they will be the next head coach…or…if Bowles stays again, they will be offered HC jobs elsewhere, as has happened to the last 2 of 3 OCs in Tampa.
So while the trolls flood this website with their negativity and lies, don’t let them sell you on there being no hope.
January 20th, 2026 at 11:05 am
The biggest obstacle is he ever expanding cigar store Indian on the sidelines.
You know, the one with the same tired phrase on repeat after every huge embarrassing failure.
” Just gotta get better”
But for some odd reason, we never do get better.
Gee, I wonder what the causal link could be???
January 20th, 2026 at 11:06 am
I am hoping McDaniel land in Tampa also however, there this one thing I keep hearing about McDaniel being too soft. Are we gonna get a hell of a play caller but weak at the commander spot. Zac Robinson may not be top of line OC but I think he would be better than Picther and Callahan. This is all about if we miss on McDaniel
January 20th, 2026 at 11:16 am
They should have fired Bowles and had the new coach choose his staff. Lichts window is closing. They let 2 very good coordinators walk.
January 20th, 2026 at 11:22 am
“Licht isn’t perfect either. But look around, he is a lot better than most.”
Really!? What about this little “Lost Decade” thing that everyone keeps referring to!? WHO was the GM for 60% of it!? That’s right… JL. Everyone is giving the Bills GM a hard time about their roster and saying that he’s only DRAFTED ‘TWO’ Pro Bowlers since 2018!? MANY are saying that HE should’ve been ‘the one’ who was FIRED, and that it’s a freaking JOKE that he was promoted.
Well, we have our OWN little ‘situation’ right HERE, in front of our own eyes!!!! I mean, how many Pro Bowlers has Lickt drafted himself, since then (2018)… Maybe, THREE (Vea, Wirfs, & Winfield Junior – DWhite was initially elected as an ALTERNATE). Wirfs was the LAST ONE of the “sure thing” STUD O-Lineman left, so he HAD TO take him then, for Brady! But, how many has HE DRAFTED in the past 5-DRAFTS… Ummmm, ZERO!?
What’s his record now, through 12-YEARS!? Try 93-104, INCLUDING the “Brady Years.” Also, WHO lost Coen, and then ‘double-downed’ on Bowles, offering him a 3-YEAR EXTENSION!? That’s right, you got it! We got LICKT AGAIN. So, y’all go ahead then, and keep on believing that pure HORSE MANURE. Cause, that is exactly what it is in THE ‘weakest’ division in football for 4-YEARS RUNNING. It’s all Smoke & Mirrors. And, a BS narrative that some of y’all just WANT TO believe in.
January 20th, 2026 at 11:26 am
If he’s looking for consistency at the qb then he’ll bypass Tampa Bay. Baker has always been consistently inconsistent. He’s more likely to get injured because of his need to prove people wrong or can’t see wide open receivers and chooses to run because he needs a perfect line blocking for him and OC calling plays for him taking all the weight off his shoulders. Wait he had all that and great running game in 2024 and yet still couldn’t get us to the 2nd round of the playoffs being the last to touch the ball on an offensive fumble that helped cost the game. Then of course our head coach coupled with that he’ll say “I’m Good y’al see ya when I see yal”
January 20th, 2026 at 11:31 am
@ Buccaneer Bonzai Says: “Bowles being a lame duck coach isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Any Coordinator worth his salt knows that if they come in and do a great job, they will be the next head coach.”
DELUSIONAL. Now, please tell ME how many times, the OC of a team who just FIRED their Head Coach, gets PROMOTED to being that same teams new Head Coach for the following season!? Please… Cause, I’d really like to know just how common of an occurrence that truly is!? Just how ‘realistic’ is this!?
January 20th, 2026 at 11:39 am
Popmike66 – I thought the same awhile back, but he did bench Tua for poor performance and placed Quinn in.
January 20th, 2026 at 11:42 am
No, the biggest obstacle to McD or any other experienced coach is TODD BOWLES. Bowles is a dead man walking and no one wants a part of that. Licht and the owners don’t get it. Rightly, they cleaned house with the exception of the architect of a hugely failed defense. Like the adage says, ‘None is so blind as he who will not see’. They will settle once more for an inexperienced play caller. It’s a Bucs life.
January 20th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
MelvinJr
Thank you for speaking common sense. Why on earth would the owners promote the OC to HC after a losing season? Lol…people don’t think. They saw what happened with Canales and Coen and think that will happen again, even if the team gets a top 10 pick.
Peak delusion from you guys but I dont blame you, you’re trying to grab at something positive. Well I’m positive the Bucs are tanking this season and will clean house next off-season. HC and QB gone. And I like Licht but you brought up great points so he might be gone too.
This team needs new blood and new energy. A young HC and QB for 2027 is on the way!
January 20th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
Knowing Todd’s sensitivity to outside voices and job fragility, the next OC will probably be someone not anyone’s preferred lists. Someone not even in the current picture. Someone the fans have never heard of before. Someone who currently is an assistant coach at a Division III team with a mediocre record. Someone who was not a starter when he played Div III tight end. Someone who will be totally over his head. But, at least next season will end the Todd Bowles era.
January 20th, 2026 at 2:33 pm
@Rod Munch
That’s corny Zac…give it a rest bro
January 20th, 2026 at 6:37 pm
@ Wyoming Joe Says: “Haven’t the last few years proved that an OC doesn’t have to have a national reputation as a “genius?”
Uhhh, actually Coen DID have that exact reputation. You obviously don’t pay attention to college football, or THE SEC. If not for HIM, then NO ONE would’ve ever heard of Will Levis. HE put him on the MAP, then w returned to his buddy McVay to replace Kevin O’Connell as OC after he’d accepted the Vikings HC job. Coen was NOT some “no-named” OC, at all.
January 21st, 2026 at 1:13 pm
When the cream of the crop is hired then the Glaziers will get coaches